THE REGENT RISES AGAIN

There’s a particular kind of magic that lingers in old theatres. You can feel it in the old pull-down chairs, in the well-trodden carpet and in the hum of anticipation before the lights dim.

In Murwillumbah, that magic lives inside The Regent, an Art Deco beauty that has stood proud for almost 80 years, surviving fire, flood and the slow fade of time. Now, under the care of new owner Troy Stanley, she’s shining once more, not just as a cinema but as the heart of a community.

Designed by architect George Rae and opened on July 4, 1947, The Regent was once the largest cinema outside Sydney. Built after the original South Murwillumbah Regent burned down in 1945, its reopening symbolised renewal, much as it does again today. With its grand façade, deco curves and old-world charm, the theatre became a hub for entertainment in the post-war years and remained the centrepiece of the town’s social life for decades.

But when the lights went out and the doors closed, something deeper was lost — a sense of shared space and local identity. “The second it closed, locals lost a place to go with their kids,” says Stanley. “It was the inability to entertain or go somewhere local with my kids that really hit home.”

Its doors have now swung open again, welcoming the community back with a calendar of live events, affordable film screenings and a renewed sense of purpose.

There’s something quite magical about what Stanley is doing here. It’s clear his decision to revive The Regent’s old bones wasn’t driven by business but by belonging. A relative newcomer to Murwillumbah, he first made his mark at the M|Arts Cafe & Bar, transforming it into a creative meeting ground for artists, families and locals alike.

He has no background in hospitality – or cinema for that matter – but has ideas and a vision that simply isn’t the same as everyone else. You can see his brain working overtime as he speaks – he sees things that others haven’t for this space. Call it intuition or just a big, community heart. “Not too long ago, I paid $135 to take my family to the movies,” he says. “I thought, I can do better than that.”

That thought became a mission: to create an affordable, inclusive entertainment space where families, artists and audiences could reconnect without cost being a barrier. When The Regent reopened in late November with a headline performance by blues legend Ash Grunwald, the night marked more than a new beginning.

Now offering reduced ticket prices, cheap popcorn, a free community cinema day each month and low-cost venue hire for schools and local events, The Regent is a project rooted in accessibility. “I don’t want the cost of living to be a direct impact on what people can do socially,” Stanley says. “If people can’t afford to come, there’s no point doing this.”

Inside, the theatre’s transformation balances reverence with reinvention. Scorch marks from the original fire still trace the walls, and the old projector sits proudly at the top of the stairs — quiet tributes to the stories and resilience the building holds. The Deco light fittings glow once more, while a rich plum hue wraps the lounge in warmth and nostalgia. A new bar, marked by a cheeky neon sign reading Locals Only, serves exclusively regional beer, wine and spirits. Stanley invites us to ‘interpret it how you will’, though for him, it’s about filling the space with local brands. From alcohol to artwork, his support for local runs deep.

“Honestly, I’m not considered a local myself yet,” he laughs. “I moved here only six years ago, so I still need to do my time.”

The synergy between The Regent and the M|Arts precinct next door is also central to Stanley’s wider vision. Together, they form a creative corridor. As well as a cinema, Stanley’s plans include a venue for live music, and a bar. Comedy shows and live performancesare set to rub shoulders with kids’ discos and school holiday workshops. Schools are invited to book screenings at affordable rates, and families can come along to fun singalong sessions.

“I want to build something that fulfils parents as well as kids,” he says. “If I have a day off, I don’t want to just watch my kids do something, I want to join in with them.” It’s this blend of imagination and empathy that gives The Regent its new soul. From drag queen bingo to classic film nights, the program will be as diverse and spirited as the town itself.

Restoring a heritage building is never easy, but for Stanley every challenge has been worth it. “There’s nothing like this building anywhere else in the region,” he says. “We just wanted to make her look and feel like the queen she once was, again.”

In a town that knows the meaning of resilience, reviving The Regent feels especially poignant. It stands as a tribute to Murwillumbah’s past and a promise for its future. And, as the projector hums to life and the lights dim once more, The Regent reminds everyone gathered inside what community truly looks like — a shared moment, flickering proudly back onto the screen.

As for Troy Stanley, it’s clear this is where his heart lies. Maybe we can give him a locals pass anyway.

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